News & Stories

C.O.R.E. Clinic team provides care and support for heart failure and cardiomyopathy patients

Congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy treatment can be complex and overwhelming. A University of Minnesota Health program helps treat and educate patients so that they stay out of the hospital.

New medicines, a new diet, major lifestyle changes. It’s no secret: Treatment for congestive heart failure can be overwhelming. Learn how our University of Minnesota Health C.O.R.E. Clinic partners with patients to keep them healthy

July 20, 2017
|
By
Staff Writer

New medicines, a new diet, major lifestyle changes. It’s no secret: Congestive heart failure treatment can be complex and overwhelming.

To help patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy, University of Minnesota Health created the C.O.R.E. Clinic for Heart Failure Management. C.O.R.E. stands for Cardiomyopathy Optimization, Rehabilitation and Education. The program supports heart failure patients as they make necessary lifestyle changes in order to stay healthy and stay out of the hospital.

What’s the primary mission of the C.O.R.E. Clinic?

Our cardiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurses partner with heart failure and cardiomyopathy patients to improve their quality of life and to keep them from going back to the hospital repeatedly. After an initial evaluation, we manage their symptoms by optimizing their medications and, in some cases, helping rehabilitate them. Finally, we educate each patient so that they have the tools to recognize their symptoms and get help before they need hospitalization. Each person in our program receives a treatment plan and works one-on-one with a C.O.R.E. nurse to learn more about their symptoms and medications.

What is rehabilitation like for patients?

Patients with congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy have a condition that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood as effectively as a healthy heart. Over time, the condition can get worse. With rehabilitation, we try to slow or reverse the progression of the disease and improve heart function. We use medications and teach them how to help themselves. When appropriate, we may enroll them in cardiac rehabilitation for exercise, because exercise can help the heart work better.

How long do patients usually receive care from the C.O.R.E. Clinic?

Usually, we see patients after they’re referred to the C.O.R.E. clinic from the hospital or an outpatient clinic. We want to see them three to five days after hospitalization because readmissions often occur within seven days—typically because they’re overwhelmed or confused by their treatment plan and medications. After that initial visit, we follow up with them two weeks later. If they’re doing well, we’ll see them for a third visit in a month. We don’t have a strict protocol. Instead we take a personalized approach and see patients when they need more care.

Why is it important for patients to develop a relationship with their care team?

Many patients come to the clinic and feel overwhelmed about taking new medicines, starting a new diet or weighing themselves every day—which are all necessary measures if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy. Over time, each patient begins to develop a relationship with the C.O.R.E. team and the team begins to better understand the patient’s needs. For example, we learn what each person likes to eat, we learn their daily habits and we learn how well they understand their condition. Because we have this relationship, we are better positioned to act like a safety net for patients.

How does the C.O.R.E. Clinic help patients manage other illnesses that affect their heart conditions?

A big part of our job is coordinating care with a patient’s primary care providers and other specialists—especially when patients have other conditions that affect their heart failure.

What can the C.O.R.E. clinic do for patients that they couldn’t achieve on their own?

Through the clinic, patients become educated and learn how to help themselves. They learn who to call when they’re having shortness of breath or when they’re developing more symptoms. Instead of going to the emergency room, they can connect with a nurse or another appropriate resource. Emergency room staff can help them, but without ongoing education eventually they may return home and develop these symptoms again. We’re here to help stop that cycle.

Cardio-oncology program strives to prevent cancer-related heart conditions before they start

Chemotherapy and radiation are often life-saving treatments, but can also lead to a host of heart conditions years after they help patients survive cancer. Our cardio-oncology program is here to help.
Read More

July 26, 2017

Five reasons to consider an Adoption Medicine Clinic assessment for your foster child

Comprehensive assessments can help address the medical, developmental, cognitive and mental health needs of children who have experienced early adversity.
Read More

July 13, 2017

Water exchange colonoscopies reduce discomfort and may lessen the need for sedatives

University of Minnesota Health experts are using an innovative, water-based colonoscopy technique to reduce potential discomfort. The method may also lessen the need for anesthesia or powerful sedatives.
Read More

Discrimination is Against the Law. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and Minnesota laws. We do not discriminate against, exclude or treat people differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. Please see our Patients’ Bill of Rights.